The meeting was called to order at 4:09 p.m. All departments were in attendance except Academic Student Development, Athletics, Government & Political Affairs, and Philosophy.
I. Minutes of previous meeting
II. Proposed Courses and Programs
(1) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
SOCY 308: Sociology of African American & Latino/a Education, 3 credits, D label. Proposal to offer a course focused on the secondary and post-secondary educational experiences of African American and Latino/a youth in the United States was approved without dissent.
III. Report of the Faculty Senate Chairperson
An update was given on previously approved documents of the Educator of the Year Award, including a time frame, selection criteria, and nomination form. A Mowrey/Sikora motion to revise the Educator of the Year Award deadlines to allow an award for 2010-2011, making nominations due December 10, supporting materials due March 1, and a decision announced to Senate at the first meeting in April was approved without dissent. The option to make these date changes permanent may be revisited with feedback from the EOTY Selection Committee.
IV. Report of the Student Senate President
V. Report of the Graduate Student Association
VI. Report of the Administrative Officers
Associate Provost Burns commented on the recent installation of printers in campus computer labs that only print duplex copies to reduce cost and ecological impact. He noted that students have reported having grades docked on assignment printed on both sides. Faculty were urged to accommodate students using these printers to complete assignments.
Dr. Burns encouraged faculty to attend the Brossman Lecture featuring Alan Lightman, author of Einstein’s Dreams.
Dr. Burns reported that the TAOC has approved the proposals for the transfer articulations for psychology and PreK-4 education despite concerns that their structure may impact these degree programs at individual institutions in coming years. He indicated that Business, Criminal Justice, and Middle Level Education will be the next areas under review. A question was raised about the extent of review given to the approved proposals since colleagues at other PASSHE schools seem to be unaware of these agreements. Dr. Prabhu noted communication with other system provosts (TAOC members) about concerns raised at Millersville and expressed hope that there would be less concern with future proposals. Senator Luek expressed appreciation, on behalf of the Psychology Department, for the administrative support and efforts to address concerns about how the transfer proposal might limit flexibility within the psychology bachelor’s curricula.
VII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Standing Committees
First Readings
(1) NEW GRADUATE COURSE
ENGL 670: Film and Media in the Secondary Classroom, 3 credits. Proposal to offer a course to develop prospective teachers’ skills in film and media literacy by examining structures, genres, and purposes of both fiction and nonfiction film, television, advertising, and music in the context of the secondary classroom.
(2) REVISED SENATE DOCUMENT
A revised bylaws document for the Graduate Course and Program Review Committee was presented. The revision includes a format update and language reflecting previously approved changes to administrative title and specification of a senator chair. Additional modifications are inclusion of its role to elect faculty to the new Graduate Academic Appeals Committee and minor clarifications.
UCPRC
First Readings
(3) CHANGE TO UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
SOWK 312: Social Work and Women’s Issues, 3 credits. Proposal to add a W label.
(4) CHANGE TO UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
SOWK 320: Social Work Statistics, 3 credits. Proposal to add a W label.
(5) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
COMM 440: Leadership and Media, 3 credits. Proposal to offer a course focused on understanding the relationship between communication and leadership.
(6) NEW UNDERGRADUATE COURSE
ERCH 225: Foundations of Reading, 3 credits. Proposal to offer a course introducing a variety of foundational topics related to teaching reading in early childhood.
VIII. Reports of the Faculty Senate Special Committees
IX. Faculty Emeritus
X. Other/New Business
Meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Aimee L. Miller
Secretary of the Senate